An Aspirin A Day May Keep Alzheimer’s Away

10 months, 3 weeks ago

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Posted on Jul 04, 2018, 8 p.m.

Low dose aspirin regimen may help reduce Alzheimer’s disease pathology, according to a new study that identifies a possible new role for one of the most commonly used medications worldwide, as published in JNeurosci.

Unfortunately exact causes of Alzheimer’s neurodegenerative disease progression still remains unknown. What is understood about the disease is that impaired clearance of toxic amyloid beta, especially from the hippocampus region in the brain is a leading mechanism. Slowing the disease by activating cellular machinery responsible for removing waste from the brain has emerged as a strategy which is showing great promise.

This study builds on others which have previously demonstrated links between reduced risk and prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and aspirin. Findings show that this most commonly used over the counter medication decreases amyloid plaque pathology in model mice by stimulating lysosomes in the brain that help to clear cellular debris; adding to asprin’s previously established and documented uses such as for pain relief and for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.